Today we’d like to introduce you to Tamer Altillawi.
Hi Tamer, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Jordan and moved to Miami when I was 19 years old. I worked many different jobs, but one of them was in a Cuban cafeteria, cooking Cuban food. I’ve always loved being in the kitchen. Even back then, I used to cook in my apartment for friends, and they would always tell me how much they loved my food and the flavors. That encouragement pushed me to take my passion more seriously.
When I looked around Miami, I noticed there weren’t many places serving truly great Mediterranean food. Inspired by my mother’s cooking — and the way she always brought people together around a table — I decided to create something special: Sufrat Mediterranean Grill, my mama’s way. I wanted people to feel at home through the best hospitality and food.
“Sufra” means “dining table,” but for me, it represents something deeper — a celebration of togetherness. Growing up, my mom would fill the table with food and invite friends and family to share the meal. She made everyone feel like part of the family. That’s the same spirit we bring to Sufrat: warmth, generosity, and hospitality that make every guest feel welcome.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The journey has definitely not been smooth, but every challenge has taught me something valuable. Running a restaurant means learning every single day about people, food, business, and even yourself. One of the biggest challenges came when we opened in 2020, right in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. Everything felt uncertain, and we faced major difficulties with restrictions, closures, and the lack of dine-in customers. But we adapted, we changed our operations, focused on takeout, and found new ways to serve our community. It wasn’t easy, but that experience made us stronger, more creative, and even more grateful for our guests and team.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Sufrat Mediterranean Grill is built on family values. It’s a business I run with my two brothers, and we manage everything together day by day, side by side. We greet our customers personally and make sure everyone who walks in feels like they’re coming home. Our food is inspired by my mother’s recipes, featuring authentic Mediterranean flavors from Jordan, Lebanon, Greece, and Turkey. What truly sets us apart isn’t just the food — it’s the way we treat people, with love, warmth, and genuine hospitality. We also believe that great food doesn’t have to be expensive. At Sufrat, we take pride in offering top-quality dishes at prices that are accessible to everyone. Our combination of authenticity, quality, heartfelt hospitality, and affordability sets us apart in Miami’s dining scene, where eating out can often be costly.
How do you think about luck?
I feel very blessed and lucky, and I always thank God for that. But I also believe that luck only comes when you show up. You can’t rely on luck alone, you have to put in the effort, be consistent, and stay dedicated. I always say, “You have to show up to get lucky.” Opportunities don’t find you while you’re sitting still. You have to hustle, work hard, and be ready when luck arrives. So yes, luck has played a role in my life and business, but only because I’ve been willing to do the work. One of the things I feel especially lucky for is having my brothers by my side, sharing this journey with me every step of the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sufratgrill.com
- Instagram: @sufratgrill
